Sunday, February 28, 2010

Author Event with Lori Ann La Rocco




Just home from a really interesting event with author Lori Ann La Rocco, "Thriving in the New Economy." People could not stop asking questions. She is the senior talent producer at CNBC and her rolodex is chock a block with major names of people who KNOW what is going on. Personable, fun, informed and engaging are a few of the adjectives I could use to describe her. Plus she went up against the USA team playing hockey in the Olympics. That's challenging. Pick up her book, we have signed copies. She wrote it with the intention of seeing what the best minds in the business community were doing to survive this challenging economic environment. Wow, I could certainly use some tips. The best thing... she says it really is just common sense and guts... easy to say. Stop by ESB while signed copies are on hand. Follow her blog for updates. I DVR ed the hockey so that is where I am headed shortly. Is'nt technology great. Go USA. Cheers. KSM, Blogster on Elm

Friday, February 26, 2010

Snow Day and Lynne's Picks








Winter wonderland again! Elm Street Books is having a delayed opening today 11:00am to let everyone drive safely to work. Thought you would enjoy reading some of Lynne's picks while you're waiting to get out in the white stuff. Enjoy!


The Wife's Tale by Lori Lansens


When her husband leaves her on the eve of their 25th anniversary, Mary, a woman with many issues, leaves her small town for the first time in her life, and sets off to find him. Her journey is a poignant one and along the way we meet many wonderful characters. Lansens writes with great warmth and compassion and you can't help but root for Mary as she sets off on her journey of self dicovery.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Joe Hill is terrific!!! And spooky too.











Wow, if you foolishly missed Joe Hill at the New Canaan Library tonight you wasted an evening. What a great guy. His books are supernatural, spooky, creepy, but thought provoking. His writing is so tight and flowing..he haunts you. Not only that, but he gave out horns to the audience to focus on his latest creation "Horns." We have signed first editions in the store. These won't last. They are collector editions for sure. This is a writer who is part of our futures. Stop by for a copy while they last. Each copy has a distinct illustrated signature.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Jo Crane's Pick





Most of you probably know Jo Crane from our gift department at Elm Street Books, but Jo is also a reader of science, history and current events. Her latest pick "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot is an engrossing read that Pam McFeely also enjoyed. Read Jo's review-



"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks"



An African American woman has a cancer biopsy at John Hopkins. Her cells become the first line of cells to survive more than a few weeks in tissue culture. This book is a social history and a science history. Fascinating!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Woof Woof











Once again the Westminster Dog show has come and gone with great flair. Jayne actually went to NYC to see it in person...lots of dogs. Of course we have plenty of dog books, but now we also carry these great dog prints which are hand colored of almost any breed. We have a few breeds on hand, but will happily order your choice. Great for Father's Day.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Staycation

















This is a big week for vacations in Fairfield County..Lots of customers in the store looking for good reads to take along. Well I will be here enjoying my
staycation. Cross country skiing in the early AM with my dog Jackson, lots of reading, hot yoga, trying new recipes,bubble baths...mani and pedi treat and the Olympics! Some music picks, A few of my favs. Each will take you away..France, Italy and Country Western. Carla Bruni, Chris Botti Italia and the Crazy Heart Soundtrack. All at ESB!






Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Jayne's Picks


Last night we had a staff meeting and everyone came with their picks! Jayne loved both of these books and shares her reviews. Happy reading.

Shadow Tag by Louise Erdrich

Louise Erdrich takes you by the hand and invites you right into the inner most part of Irene America from the first page. She doesnt just take you by the hand, she snatches you into a world, where you know the steaming locomotive she brings you on is heading for a wreck. Irene and her husband Gil, both with a Native American heritage, struggle with who they are in their marriage, and how they have come to use one another. Their three children keep them together and provide to the world the happy picture of a whole marriage and family of some envy in their sophisticated lives. But love and hatred provide a pendulum swing throughout the story, and where it rests will surprise and haunt you.
Bloodroot by Amy Greene
Bloodroot is Amy Greene's debut novel. That is good news for those of us who want to hear more from this wonderful writer. Set in East Tenessee in the shadow of Bloodroot Mountain, both magical and enveloping, the author gives voice to Byrdie, Doug, Johnny, Laura and Myra. Unforgettable characters, and most especially Myra who is born with special powers that are passed along generations of 'granny women'. Amy Greene takes us into their inner world of hurt and healing amidst the natural beauty of the surroundings. The imagery of crooked dirt roads, thick trees, leaf patterns and the ridges of fungus on bark seep into the narrative and placed me where I had never been before. The author gives a knowing view into the lives of these few characters that struggle and try to survive in that place. Like the bloodroot plant, with properties both poisonous and curative, the love shared and rejected in this novel is both fatal and healing.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Elm Street Books Sign On the Tube!!!

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video.

So last week New Canaan was featured on the tube! We did'nt get that 30 seconds of fame, but we did get a great shot of our sign. Fun interview with Rosie..Best Carrot Cake in CT!! Cakes, lattes and books...yum yum.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Snow?




I have been waiting to see if we get any snow. While waiting I picked up Lori Ann LaRocco's book "Thriving In the New Economy, Lessons from Today's Top Business Minds" Lori Ann is a senior talent producer at CNBC. The book chapters are broken into sectors of the economy with experts speaking to the challenges of the day. Very smart people with excellent insight. Jack Bogle, Steve Forbes, Abby Joseph Cohen,Larry Lindsey are just a few of the amazing individuals she has included. Interesting read. She is coming to the New Canaan Library, 151 Main St., New Canaan on Sunday February 28th at 4:30. Reserve early 203-966-4545